Halloween can be a ghoulishly good time for the whole family, including the family pet! However, there are many incipient hazards that can harm your dog and end the holiday fun. With a little foresight and preventative planning, you can guarantee that your furry friend remains safe and has a spooktacular Halloween. Here are a some ways you can protect your pet this Halloween:
Candy: Candy might be at the top of your mind when thinking about Halloween. Be sure to hide your treats out of your canine companion’s reach; While tasty to humans, candy can be very dangerous for dogs. Many of us are aware that chocolate is toxic to dog and cats, but candy that contains the sweetener xylitol is poisonous as well. Candy wrappers can be just as harmful as the candy themselves. Foil and cellophane wrappers can cause bowel obstructions that could require surgery to fix. Lollipop sticks, if swallowed, could rupture your dog’s intestines and cause a life threatening emergency. Keep some dog treats handy to quell your pup’s craving for tasty holiday treats.
Decorations: A bit part of Halloween fun are the festive decorations. Keep your dog safe by hiding wires and cords for electrical lights out of his view. These could cause burns or cuts if chewed or even electrocution! Pumpkins and decorative corn really set the mood. These delightful natural decorations are basically nontoxic, but if your dog eats these it could cause an upset stomach. Jack-o-lanterns are the embodiment of the Halloween spirit, but make sure to be careful if you choose to add a candle. Excited pups could knock over a lit pumpkin and start a fire!
Costumes: If you choose to dress your dog up in a dog costume, make sure that he’s happy and comfortable. Your pup’s costume should not hinder his movement or hearing. Make sure that he has no trouble breathing. It’s better to try on dog costumes a while before the big night to ensure that it will not make your dog anxious and also that he is not allergic to the costume. Pick a costume doesn't have any small pieces that dangle or that could get chewed off, as your pooch could choke on them.
Front Door Safety: Even the most social and friendly pets can get stressed out by the frequent doorbell ringing of trick-or-treaters. Keeping them in a separate room, away from the front door is a great way to alleviate any potential stress. Having so many visitors at once is stressful to dogs, especially when they are decked out in unfamiliar costumes. Set your pet up in a room far away from the door and give them something to avert their attention, like a bone or a kong treat full of peanut butter. This will not only alleviate their anxiety, but will also make it less likely for your pet to escape out of the front door. Keeping proper identification on your dog is a good idea at all times, but especially so when their window for escaping and getting lost is higher.
Outdoor Pets: Halloween night is not always full of lighthearted fun. Some people are cruel and use Halloween as a time to hurt animals. If at all possible, keep outdoor animals indoors or supervised to prevent them from being hurt. Black cats are the most targeted pets during Halloween but any pet is at risk and should be kept indoors, where they are safe. Your dog can be part of the Halloween fun, if you play it safe. With a little safety and precaution you can ensure your entire family has a ghoulishly good time this Halloween season! Have fun, be safe, and have a Happy Halloween!
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